183. Memorandum of Discussion at the 304th Meeting of the National Security Council, Washington, November 15, 19561
[Here follows a paragraph listing the participants at the meeting.]
1. Significant World Developments Affecting U.S. Security
[Here follows discussion of unrelated subjects.]
Mr. [Allen] Dulles indicated that in Korea we had recently had some concern after a jocular statement by President Rhee to our Ambassador to the effect that now that the U.S. elections were over, he, Rhee, was planning to cause us a little trouble2 The latest reports, however, indicate that this is a flash in the pan and Rhee does not seriously contemplate meddling in North Korea.
Displaying extreme irritation over President Rhee’s behavior, the President indicated his belief that we must make clear that we will not be blackmailed. He added that he was thoroughly fed up with these “penny ante dictators”, and that it was high time to tell Rhee off.
[Here follow discussion of unrelated subjects and the remaining agenda items.]
- Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records. Top Secret. Drafted by Gleason on November 16.↩
- The statement by Rhee to which Dulles referred was made to Ambassador Dowling and General Lemnitzer on November 7, and was reported in telegram 440 from Seoul, November 8. Telegram 440 is summarized in footnote 5, Supra. ↩